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Naming Your Guardian Angel: Don’t Do It

You are not allowed to name your Guardian Angel. Some Catholics practice a devotion of giving personal names to their guardian angels. However, the Holy See does not allow this practice and formally discourages it.

According to the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, 216 (under the heading about Devotion to the Holy Angels):

The practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.

A special thanks to Father Gary Selin and my friend Jordan Low for finding this citation.

What’s the Theology Behind Not Naming Your Guardian Angel?

We cannot name our Guardian Angel because naming another implies authority over the other. I name my children and I name my pets. I have authority over them.

However, my Guardian Angel is OVER me in authority:

Angel of God my Guardian Dear
to whom God’s love commits me here
Ever this day be at my side
To light, to guard, to *RULE,* to guide.

Therefore, I do not have the authority to name my angel. My angel is not my dog, he’s my instructor.

When God gives a new name to someone (Abraham, Israel, Peter), he is signifying His authority over him as that person acts as His vicegerent in His name. Notably, God revealed the names of Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist to their parents before they were born to show His special authority in human redemption.

Please share this post on Facebook and Twitter, since most people still think it’s alright to name their angels. We need to get the word out.

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Louise

Does this mean that our angels have no names or that we can not assign names to them? Do we just refer to them as our guardian angel?

I find it interesting because I have known angels to talk on several occasions. I do have a guardian angel. He shared with me that he does have a name and when I address him I call him by his name. Is it not disrespectful to not address even spiritual beings by their given names?

Fr. Gashwin

In the case above, one is naming one’s guardian angel. As in, of one’s own choosing, assigning him a name.

patricia

my spiritual director asked me what is my guardian angel’s name I said Elizabeth since I have been calling my angel that since I was a teenager. I was having some spiritual interference in prayer mass and adoration so I was told to call on my angel. should I keep obeying my spiritual director who is a priest? I am deeply confused and troubled about this whole thing!!

Fr. Savio

You should continue to call on your guardian angel, but I would not necessarily use that name. Your angel knows you; God knows you; God knows your guardian angel. Just pray to your guardian angel in the silence of your heart, no name necessary. St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Bonaventue, Francisco Suarez, and all other great theologians are unanimous in asserting that this is the only way you will be certain that it is your angel who hears you, and not a demon. I would never call any spiritual beings by name out loud except Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, as the above direction from the Holy See state. (Yes, I am a priest, with a licentiate in Systematic Theology.)

patricia

Hello Fr. Savio

I will be sure to just say guardian angel and I will let my spiritual director know about it. Thank you for the advice and insight.

Diaconos

I am very grateful for you input on these matters Fr. Savio

Seeno

I have to agree. I don’t know my guardian angel’s name. I want to, but I have had weird things happen once in a restaurant. A man was sitting at a table, he right away gave me a feeling that he was a humble man of God. I set my kids in their seats. A few minutes later I noticed I could not stop having a certain curiosity with him. I had never seen him before, but I wanted to talk to him. Another minute or two went by and he walked up to our table with his brimmed hat and leather bag in hand. He mentioned three names I remember quite well. He also mentioned a fourth name, but I forgot it as soon as he mentioned it.

My wife stopped what she was doing and got nervous. I asked what where the names he referred to? He said they were the names of our guardian angles. My wife said he was not right about hers. I was surprised, she never mentioned she knew her guardian angels name before. I have known her for 14 years. I realized I never felt the need to know my Guardian angel’s name. Was I supposed to?

The man stopped and looked at her, then said he misheard, it was (then said a name I forgot as soon as i heard it). My wife got worried and said, “nope, your completely wrong.” He smiled and said no, but he understood what was wrong and he was sorry for the trouble, he felt the need to speak to me. He once again smiled and left. I looked at my wife and asked if he got hers right. She looked at me, smiled and said he was extremely close.

I have been hearing a voice more and more often telling me about right choices to make. I realized I have always heard it, but sometimes I chose to ignore it as a thought that passed in my mind. I have come to realized that it seems more like a friendly but firm voice. A voice that wishes to alert me of dangers and better choices before something happens. The voice had been there for years. I realized when I did not heed its suggestion, that something bad happened. I also realized that when I listen to it, I had a calm and nothing bad would happen to me.

I realized this is a voice to trust, and was that of my guardian angel. I don’t know my guardian angels name, but I don’t feel I need to. As for my wife, shortly after coming close to dying giving birth to our first born she told me a voice told her she would be okay. A couple weeks later she said thank you to her guardian angel. She said she wanted to know its name, but only if thought she should know it a a few hours later she heard the voice speak a name. She had never been compelled to tell me the name before, and did no believe anyone should know it. She said she was surprised when the stranger practically guessed its name correctly. I told her I remember the other names, but for some reason I immediately for got the name he told her. She said her guardian angel could reveal what ever it wanted about itsself when and if it wanted to. She still has not told me the name, but I don’t feel I should ask.

That voice I hear, does not ask me things, it tells me. I trust it when it tells what to do, even if it makes no apparent sense, sometime later on it always does. I believe a battle with demons and angels go on, it is my guardian angel that helps guide me passed the dangers of demons. God has sent us all an angel, but it is our choice to listen to it, not bark commands at it.

Other people told me simular voices speak to them from nowhere, but leaves them with the same feeling of trust, but something they are not meant to control.

Edward Shadap

What about the voice of the Holy Spirit living in you? He was promised by Our Lord in many passages of the Word and one such passage is John 14:26…and He will teach you all things and remind you all that I have taught you……” My wife and I very often invoked the name of the Holy Spirit when in trouble and difficulty and He answers us with guidance and instructions…? So, I myself am confused. Should I invoke my guardian Angel or the Lord God the Holy Spirit? Please help.

suikojay

Both is absolutely fine.

Dropofclearwqter

I have told a relative that Jesus judges us after we due. He asked where was that in the bible and then said that it doesn’t matter anyway because we don’t really know how true the bible is becasue it has been written by man.

Two2trees

That is very sound. Even if I am told a name, how do I know it refers to what I’m told. It might be part of a trick.

John Mallon

Patricia, there is no need to be troubled. God knows your heart. It’s not the end of the world.

patricia

I know it is not the end of the world I just don’t want to open up any doors that should not be opened.

paul becke

Agreed.

Alex Marsh

see you get all you have to do is ask for a name. I mean golly guys it’s not that hard to figure.

ThatCathGuy

The Church formally discourages asking for the name too. You have no idea who is answering. Divination is extremely dangerous and condemned. Dr Marshall is completely correct in that you should simply refer to your Guardian Angel as Guardian Angel.

NW

We are to heed the voice of our angel-I have heard mine on a few occasions. I have seen my angel once and when I asked what his name was he replied Tarus. So I didn’t name him-God probably did.

John Mallon

But you did not give him that name.

Andres

Where can I find this in the Cathechism or a Church Document? I would like to read where the Church says this.

Patagonia1245

That’s interesting. I’ve never heard of this practice and am glad you mentioned it so I can pass this teaching on to those who might be in error.
In fact, this made me realize how little I know about guardian angels. Does each individual soul still retain its guardian angel in the afterlife? And are guardian angels each given one soul to guard in all of eternity, or do they watch over multiple souls, either simultaneously or through “reassignment” after a soul has entered eternity? Thanks for any help 🙂 Fascinating subject.

SouthernCatholicMom

From books and a priest friend: The guardian angel only has one soul throughout eternity to guide.

I met a Sister many years ago. She knew her Guardian Angel’s name. I asked her how I could find out my Guardian Angel’s name and she told me to simply ask, like she did. She said the name that comes to me is his name. I did this, asked several times and then his name came to me. I did not assign him a name. Is this wrong?

ES

It is discouraged. I think that in this case, one runs the risk of hearing from an evil spirit. Also, the Bible discourages asking angels for names. See Judges 13:17-18.

Chesire11

How do you know it was your guardian angel who answered you?

Olivares I

Even assuming the worst, it all sounds like one big DON’T-CARE! Spirtual communications don’t operate like telephone numbers or e-mail addressing, and only philosophical simpletons would think so….
The name/language used in a prayer or similar meditation is better sync’d to your consciousness than a mere “spiritual misdial.” Your thoughts and prayers ALWAYS find their correct targets and are not subject to errant interception. HOW do I know this? Faith, Scriptures, and REASON!! I’d put more stock in such sober reasoning than the absurd naming-entails-controlling superstition, which frankly looks to be more of pagan origin… something the Lakotas or Iroqouis would come up with… than something coming from an Aquinas-type Tradition.
Accordingly, I asked for my own Angel’s appellation, got it via a number of beyond-coincidental indicia, and will continue to use it throughout eternity. Unfortunately, a lot of such low-order Cath-Regs are just plain silly, and THIS is one of ’em. Taylor Marshall needs to get back to the ol’ armchair and pipe/cigar….

Johnny Midnyte

Guess you think an authoritative statement from the Church is silly too.

Olivares I

Some….

Cathy

For what it’s worth: I used to call my angel “Rafa” (it sounded a little angelic), but i asked one day , if that’s not your name, tell me. Several days later upon awakening in the morning, I heard, “my name is Martin”. I now say,”Martin of God my guardian dear to whom god’s love commits me here……etc.

Doktor Ramon Nadres

Hahahaha! that sounds funny!

Jan Lora

Who are we to judge? Did Padre Pio name his guardian angel. or did it come from heaven?

J.A.V.R.

Who are we to judge what? With every matter of faith there is only one truth and is our job as followers of Christ to seek it and denounce when it’s not practiced. After all, aren’t we made prophets in our baptism?

Diaconos

Correct! St Paul says someday we will even judge angel, but not now. We make judgements every day. That is not wrong, judging someone like the Religious leaders in the Jesus Time did was wrong, because they thought themselves perfect and holy based on their own merits. We must never Judge someone’s eternal destiny, only God can judge that. One of the Corporal works of mercy is to correct a brother when he is doing wrong things, or not doing things he should.

Davida Burns

According to Father Larry Richards, he says to ask God to reveal the guardian angel’s name through scripture. He says after you have asked then randomly open the Bible and the first name you come across that is who you’re guardian angel is. He said he did this and the first name he read was Barabbas so that’s his guardian angel’s name. I am fairly certain he said this is how Padre Pio did it. Father Larry has been doing the afternoon Mass this week on EWTN.

IF Father Richard said this he has to backing for it. That is not what the Church fathers have taught Like the great Giant of Faith, St. Thomas Aquinas

with-a-z

That sounds like a silly parlor trick to me.

Jesse

My angel revealed his name to me. Should I refrain from using his name?

RobinJeanne

I asked and heard “Gloria” in my heart…. I didn’t asign it, so I ask also, do we stop?

UAWildcatx2

A priest who I trust greatly said that if an “angel” says its name is anything other than something ending in -el (from God), it might be better to not give it attention (e.g., Moroni)

J.A.V.R.

Like I said to Jesse, demons are great tricksters and you have to be completely sure that it was your angel who revealed his name and not somebody else.

J.A.V.R.

You have to be completely sure that it was in fact your angel who revealed his name.

RobinJeanne

With all this not knowing for sure, I will not risk it and start just saying “Gardian Angel”

Diaconos

Yes you should. And you don;t know if it was your angel that reveled your name or not. Just call him your angel.

with-a-z

How do you KNOW this was your angel, and not a spirit with evil intentions who would just love to hear your prayers and weaknesses?

JC

Fr. Larry Richards discussed this during EWTN’s daily Mass this morning. He said that his spiritual director recommended asking the Lord to reveal the name of his guardian angel. An EXCELLENT homily. Will air again later today and be archived on the website later.

Thank you, Dr. Marshall, for finding this. I can see the point. There are some that would possibly lean toward “adoration” of a named angel. There are many who are in to the whole “angel cult” that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with Our Lord, The Church, or The Saints. Just “angels”. Thanks for setting this straight for us! Peace and blessings to you and your family

But if one’s angel reveals his name to one, it is not being assigned by that person. It is being revealed by the superior.
Done prayerfully, and with an additional prayer that one’s angel protects us from evil in receiving the answer (or no answer), where is the harm?
We do not fall into the danger of worshipping (point raised in a prior post) Our Lady or the other saints, or the named Archangels, simply because we can call them by name.
Finally, you use the word “discouraged” but not the word “forbidden”.
If my angel ever condescends to reveal his holy name to me, I will have no choice but to consider it a gift, and a gift that was given for a reason.

Maggie

Additionally, the point was made about Scripture showing us, in Judges 13, that asking the name of an angel is not a good practice. But look at how the person from that passage asked: “And he said to him: What is thy name, that, if thy word shall come to pass, we may honour thee? ”
Clearly, the request was inappropriate in it’s very nature, having the intention of honoring an angel for the work of God. Of course the angel would chastise for a question like this!
This would not apply in all cases, certainly.

J.A.V.R.

Dear Maggie, the good doctor only referred to the people that named their angels themselves. Then in the comments he warns that the problem with asking your angel for his name is that a demon can answer and then you could end up talking to him instead. If there is no doubt that it was in fact your angel who reveal his name to you and permit you address to him as such, then no, there wouldn’t be any problem at all.

The word “discouraged” is used instead of “forbidden” because this issue is still being studied and is not a dogma yet but the Holy See does find something wrong with the practice. I hope that answers your questions. Take care.

Mr.Schwa

Thank you. This cleared up some of my worries and fears. I have recently come across information and knowledge regarding angels (from legitimate catholic sources and my prayers mind you) and I have spoken to people about all that the angels do and what they are and the the love they have for us. My Guardian Angel told me his name, and with the feelings I feel, and the things I have seen, I know in my heart and in my soul that this is indeed an angel, a mirror of God’s love, a perfect creation of God. And I use his name, but it is out of the utmost respect, as when I pray to Mary or the Saints, or talking with a good friend, but it is not on the level of love and worship that I give to God. I was warned by a priest about the potential demon naming, and in turn I warn people of this as well. I am always looking for ways to better the telling of the message of the angels to the people I speak to. Thank you for this. God bless you in all that you do, and may your Guardian Angels watch over you and guide you.

J.A.V.R.

You’re most welcome and thank you for your well wishes. Godspeed.

minxcomix

Dr. Taylor, I do understand this. It makes sense. Thank you for making me wiser.
I do pray to my guardian angel, using the title “Guardian Angel”. But in speaking spiritually to ‘him’ (acknowledging that angels are neither male or female, but using the term to acknowledge that angels are persons) as a spiritual child I have used a particular name with the acknowledgement that I know it is not my angel’s name, but as an intimate name to use in interaction.
Is this not wise then? Thank you for your response.

John Johnson

Dr. Marshal, with all due respect, if you want to try your hand at philosophy, you would do well to avoid logical fallacy (in this case, the straw man). When people “name” their guardian angel, they aren’t usually “giving” the angel a name as they would give their pet a name. Rather, they pray that their angel’s name be revealed. There angel does have a name, given by God and I would bet you a dollar the Church doesn’t say you can’t ask what it is.

I’m really sorry for sounding harsh with this but your article seems to be very misleading and aimed at accruing facebook shares more than fleshing out a perfectly good question. I’m sure you’re a nice guy but mixing categories is a terrible way to attempt to Catechize the faithful.

J.A.V.R.

With all due respect Mr. Johnson, that is not the case. If you read a lot of the comments here a lot of people have named their angels and not asked the angel to reveal their name. Dr. Marshall is referring to those people who named their angels. In the case of the people who asks the angels their name, just like you say, Dr. Marshall warns that the problem with that is, that unless you have the special gift of discernment, you wouldn’t know the difference if your angel answers or a demon passing as an angel of light does. This is why is dangerous.

RobinJeanne

One time i heard this person say “they’ve named” there Guardian Angel, Bubba, I just shook my head, for some reason that seamed so disrespectful.

I have many times heard it said that to “name” someone is to have authority
over them like Dr Taylor said and like God had Adam name the animal whom he had dominion over and he named his wife but God named Adam. I think That’s why a women changes her last name to his when they marry. Why nuns/sister are given a new name when they wed themselves to the Lord.

J.A.V.R.

Yes, just like with everything else, people have lost a lot of respect. People have lost respect for our elders, parents and even God. With God, some people associate it with a cute grandfather and that’s why some people even there to give God Himself nicknames. Heck, in my country a woman named her son Yavéh (a form of YAHWEH). If people has lost respect for God Himself, imagine with anything else.

Exactly. You can see the naming thing in the Bible a lot. And even nowadays, you only name or give nicknames persons/things that are beneath you hierarchy such as children, pets or nature, or equals such as brothers or friends. Nobody names or give nicknames to their parents or grandparents unless they give you permission to do so. It’s the same with angels because they are superior to us.

RobinJeanne

You are soo right about the lack of sense of respect, reverence for God. Good people refering to God as “my-man” To Jesus as “Bro”, “bud” just makes my skin crawl. It’s their take on Jesus saying “I call you friend”… well even if as an adult you parent says you are my friend, well that doesn’t mean you can start calling them by their first name. I find it sadly disrespectful…. we should be in Awe and hesitate to even say His most Holy Name.

J.A.V.R.

Exactly. At least it brings me some comfort that there are people like you who understands the importance of reverence to God and everything that is holy. God bless you.

Jerome

St. John Bosco named his Grigio.

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Grigio, however, was never subservient to Don Bosco; in fact, it was the other way around. Apart from protecting the good priest, the grey dog practically decided whether or not to let Don Bosco venture out on a given instance. If Grigio felt it unwise for Don Bosco to go outside for any reason, he will block the doorway and growl menacingly until Don Bosco relented.

Apparently, Grigio’s protection was not exclusive to Don Bosco himself. Years after the priest died, Grigio supposedly appeared on several more occasions to protect the Salesian Sisters.

Jerome

The point stands that St. John Bosco named his guardian angel.

Sunshine Madrazo

Thank you for this information, However, i had a strange dream once when i was younger, I was taking a nap , i use to own a store years ago and i took a 15min nap and i dreamed that a very very huge fellow came in my room and gave me a letter. When I read his letter, I couldn’t understand the language used until on the bottom line it says, I love you, your guardian angel, He revealed his name. I wont post it here but i carried this name in my heart. That same day,it was almost 7pm at night as i traveled back home, I had a car trouble…It happened on an isolated area ,no houses , just isolated highway…My cellphone was about to die and i made one phone call to call my mother. My mom told me to wait for her and she will get help. A few minutes, a stranger from nowhere approached me and helped me , I was a bit afraid but he was kind and looked gentle. He changed my tire and drove away…I didnt even get the chance to get his name as he says he needs to fix it as he is late for his appointment but he just wanted to help me. I couldnt forget that dream and that same day I got a help from a stranger.

Douglas Beaumont

Well the article says nothing about meta-names, so how about we simply name our guardian angel’s name? 🙂

Bernadette Vella Wolff

My guardian angel appeared to me once at a time of need, briefly, visibly, then disappeared and the situation cleared itself up, leaving me feeling profoundly at peace. In my mind, I said, “I don’t know who you are but thank you.”
What came back was an unexpected response. “I am Jarubel your guardian angel.”
Was this then of God or a spirit of darkness?

Bernadette Vella Wolff

My guardian angel appeared to me once briefly at a time of need then disappeared. I can still vividly recall the figure. The situation cleared itself up immediately and the experience left me feeling an internal peace I’ve never before known.
in my mind, I said, “I don’t know who you are but thank you.”
Next came an unexpected response. “I am Jarubel your guardian angel.”
Does this mean it was of God or a spirit of darkness?

That was horrifying! I totally agree with you about supernatural experience. Don’t seek it! If something happens always take it to your Priest and listen to them! The Saints always did this as well! This was too awful!!

minxcomix

Thank you for this link. I was not aware of this saint or her story. Astounding!

patricia

Wow Dr. Marshall I read the article of this link so scary and yet proves a point to have the need of spiritual director and be careful to name angels. I could not believe all that happened in such a religious enviroment.

suikojay

I think the best thing to do when encountering a supposed mystical experience is to test it right away, rather than to listen to it! Call upon the Blessed Virgin or your Guardian Angel for help, say the St. Michael deliverance prayer, or say “In the name of Jesus Christ, if you are demon, be gone!” and if it’s a demon, it should go away (if the person is in the state of grace, of course).

Also, thanks for posting that link about Sister Magdalena of the Cross. I wasn’t familiar with her… until now!

ES

One should always ask one’s spiritual director about any unusual spiritual experience of this kind. Until a good priest gives advice, it is best not to treat it as legitimate. When this happens to the saints, God is pleased that they are careful and discerning, and obediently seek the advice of a priest.

Bernadette Vella Wolff

Yes! I read before about St Magdalena. That’s what got me wondering. I don’t seek out spiritual consolation. Have had my share of desolation and gratefully accepted the intervention as a gift.

Leigh

I wondered if my Guardian Angel had a name or if I should name it…having never read this before…I prayed about knowing His name years ago. I have read that St. Pio used to send his Guardian Angel to people in need and have begun making that a practice in my daily life. In a conversation about this new practice, I told someone that I had prayed about knowing or naming my own Guardian Angel and suddenly the name Edward came into my mind. I thought maybe that was His name…and have shared that story with others…just wondering what you thought about that.

The document quoted by Dr. Marshall says “The practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.” It’s not clear from this that the “discouraging” being mentioned has anything directly to do with one’s interior life and direct interior relationship with one’s *Guardian* Angel. Rather, it comes from a section in the document that pertains to “popular devotions to the Holy Angels.”

It would seem to me that this discouraging has much more to do with pious “public” devotionals than with one’s interior rapport with one’s guardian angel.

Further, the question of “naming” as an act of “authority” or “disrespect” may not necessarily come into play either, assuming one isn’t actually ascribing a name to the angel (equivalent to “fluffy” or “bubba” etc., to use extremes) that suggests that kind of relationship. Angels do not, per se, have “authority” over us. Rather, *Christ* has authority over *them*, and we don’t have direct authority over angels. Despite their immense superiority of intellect and will, it is still true that *humans* are the summit of God’s creation, not angels, just to be clear on that point.

So, if one sincerely wishes “interiorly” to refer to one’s guardian angel by a “name” rather than “office” (“angel” is the “office” of this creature whose nature is “spirit”), I remain unconvinced that the passage from the CDW directory mentioned by Dr. Marshall actually militates against such an interior relationship with one’s guardian. Rather, I think the passage militates against any public devotional expression of “named” angels that might parallel such public devotional expression given to the three named Archangels…
I’m open to correction on this point if there exists any other magisterial documentation that touches upon this question.

J.A.V.R.

With respect, it seems you’re being a bit prideful for trying to be “smarter” than the Holy See. Look at the situation like this: Imagine a civilian person meeting an officer of the army of his country and he decides to call that officer “Bob”, would this be right? Even though the officer’s job is to protect and serve his country and the people in it, and he would even address the civilian person as “sir”, that civilian person has no right to change the officer’s name. The army officer has his own name. Even more, hierarchically, the officer is above the civilian person. The correct way to address that officer would be “sir” or if you can recognize his rank then by his rank, such as “Captain”, “Lieutenant”, etc. It is the same with Angels, who are the army of the kingdom of heaven. And by the way, angels do have some authority over us because when they order or act they do so in the name of God Himself.

Now, if the angels reveal their own name, and there is no doubt that it is in fact a divine revelation, such as with the archangels, then they could be called by their given name and, unless instructed otherwise, I think the title of the angel should still be mentioned as a sign of respect and humility, just as with an army officer and just like when you address any of the Archangels, to whom you never just address or refer to them by their name only, or even give them a nickname; one addresses or refers to the archangels with their name and title, such as Saint Michael the Archangel or Saint Raphael the Archangel. Are guardian angels any different or deserve less respect? Think about it and take care.

ES

I have heard a very good priest strongly discourage this practice, for several reasons, many of which are identified above. Two other points are first, Scripture discourages it. In Judges 13:

“And the angel answered him: If thou press me, I will not eat of thy bread: but if thou wilt offer a holocaust, offer it to the Lord. And Manue knew not it was the angel of the Lord. [17] And he said to him: What is thy name, that, if thy word shall come to pass, we may honour thee? [18] And he answered him: Why askest thou my name, which is wonderful? [19] Then Manue took a kid of the flocks, and the libations, and put them upon a rock, offering to the Lord, who doth wonderful things: and he and his wife looked on. [20] And when the flame from the altar went up towards heaven, the angel of the lord ascended also in the flame. And when Manue and his wife saw this, they fell flat on the ground.”

When the angels do reveal their names (Gabriel, for example, to Zachary), it is voluntary, not from asking. In this way, the Scriptures are clear that this is a question we should not ask.

Also, asking this question can open us up to contact from an evil spirit.

Marie

Hopefully you screen these before they post, as I would rather this not be posted. I loved the link to explain why Angels are not to be given just any name. I’ve heard we can name our angels but for years I have not been able to come up with a name for mine and have been thinking the name Michael was fitting because he is such a powerful Angel 🙂
After Mass yesterday our dear priest said because of the feast day coming up he wanted to share some neat things about Guardian Angels with us. He shared some really neat things and one was naming our Guardian Angels. I don’t think he is aware of this about the limited amount of names to be used to name your angel. Thank you if I get a chance I will share this with him.
Karen

Angela Goudman

We are not permitted to name our Guardian Angel because each angel already has a name given by God. However, if you want to address your angel personally, it is acceptable to use the name “Guardian”. (This is from Catholic Answers Forums.)

Camila

So interesting. Padre Pio talks about us never forgetting we are never lonely, because we always have the company of our guardian angel. I like that.

Dominican Friar

Correction: It’s actually Paragraph 217 (not 216) of the Directory on Popular Piety.

Dianne Wood

What if your angel tells you it’s name?

Jon Fermin

careful, that might not be your guardian angel.

SalomeEllen

Hmmm. At least one of my children — who is quite spiritually sensitive — believes that her guardian angel told her his name. I can’t see a theological problem with that….

Maria L B

Most of the time, mine is called “Hey! Why Weren’t You Paying Attention?!” JUST KIDDING! My poor guardian angel puts in a lot of overtime. <3

Colleen Sheehy

Fascinating….I usually address my Angel as Gloria (short for Gloria in Exceslis Deo) which s/he thinks is mildly hilarious. Says a sense of humor is a necessity for coping with the likes of me; can call her/him anything I like so long as I do respectfully CALL (or MY name will be mud….)

Julian Barkin

Wow. This is so simple and logical. Really.

Julie Gill

I’ve been telling people this for years. Angels are such superior beings, they don’t need names. I believe the main reason the church tells us not to name angels is that there is a danger, such as New Age, where as spiritual beings, the angels become a focus of attention rather than God. Even the names of the angels in scripture aren’t really names so much as a description of the particular work God has given them to do.

ps

Makes sense not to name them, as that automatically subjugates them to us (i think that’s a prideful thing) because for sure God has already given them their “identity” like the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael but as a description of attributes or the goodness of God, since the angels, and including us, are suppose to praise God and fulfill God’s work, thus the “identity”. The closest I got to naming my guardian angel is calling it by what God has shown me – mercy – when I would pray and thank God – as God has shown me so much mercy (including giving me someone to watch over and protect me). But I always stick to “my dear Guardian Angel” when I personally address my angel.

This also reminds me of Jacob wrestling with “an angel” – a common assumption that it was angel – but Jacob struggled with this heavenly figure, thus Jacob was renamed himself instead as “Israel”, literally “He who struggles with God.” and the “angel” he named “Peniel” meaning ‘face of God’, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” (Gen. 32:30). But Jacob is a special case, in this case God initiated the re-naming of Jacob, and Jacob doesn’t necessarily named an angel but described his encounter with God.

Andrew Patton

Jacob named the place, “Peniel,” not the Angel of the Lord. Furthermore, the fact that he said, “I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared,” suggests that the Angel of the Lord was in fact the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul H.

Is this really a matter of such import that it requires more than a passing thought, much less a blog post? This Catholic legalism seems like exactly what Pope Francis has instructed us to avoid falling into.

Jon Fermin

It’s not legalism, it’s applied theology. it imparts an important fact not only about angels or their names (whatever they may be) but also what it means to name and be named. it’s therefore a reflection of our identity in relation to Christ. and a warning to take names seriously, lest you feel the urge to name your kid something stupid like cucumber.

Actually, though, it’s not so much “an important fact” of angelology, but rather it’s a “prudential judgment” about angelology. Individual Catholics’ mileage may vary…At least there’s nothing available on the Vatican web site to suggest otherwise…

Bill

I have been jokingly referring to my angel as “Clarence”, but just as a nickname. I understand he has his own name.

J.A.V.R.

You only give nicknames to subjugates (children, pets) or equals (brothers, friends) both of which angels are not. They are not our buddies. Just like I said to other people here, would you call a police officer by a nickname or would you refer to him as “sir” or “officer”? If you’re an enlisted soldier in the army and you befriend an officer, are you allowed to call him by his given name without his explicit permission or are you supposed to refer to him as “sir” or by his rank at all times? Would your parent permit you to call them by a nickname, even if jokingly, without their approval of such nickname? It’s all about respect for our superiors and angels are far superior than any police officer, army officer, king, or parent.

José C.

When I invoke my Guardian Angel is call him “Malak”. I believe this means “angel” in Hebrew. I do use it like a name, but it is also what he is. I see no reason why this violates the teaching above. Am I wrong?

Collin Stewart

I feel like this passage is being taken a little out of context (and it’s found in 217 not 216). Your name is Taylor and let’s say I decide to think of you as Dark Hair Guy because I don’t speak your language. Me calling you Dark Hair Guy does not change the fact that you are Indeed Taylor. It’s just my nickname for you because I don’t know you or understand “Taylor”. If I call you something else I am NOT trying to claim ownership or authority over you. I am merely associating something familiar to me to make the association simpler for me.

J.A.V.R.

If you approach and address a police officer, would you refer to him as “Dark Hair Guy” or “Guy in Blue” or would you address him as “officer”? It’s the same and more. Angels deserve more respect than any officer, judge, or King on Earth and should be addressed as such.

Matt

Perhaps a nuanced difference but the devotion I learned of was not to name or give a name to one’s guardian angel but to prayerfully attempt to learn what it is. That does seem quite a different thing…

Danny

My Guardian angel revealed his name to me, I did not name him. Is this still wrong?

J.A.V.R.

I would just advise that you make sure it is without a doubt your guardian angel and not someone else.

Craig

No authority over angels?

Are they not all ministering (λειτουργικός – “of or pertaining to service”) spirits senot on behave of those who inherit salvation?

In speaking of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”

How is it that one might think that we whom He has made sons, and joint heirs together with Christ,
have no authority over those who serve for us?

Fr. Savio

Do you have authority over priests or bishops? But they too are leitourgikos, ministers. In the kingdom of God, those who have authority serve. It doesn’t mean that those they serve in return have authority over them.

Betty

I have always encouraged my children to name their angels in order to have a more intimate relationship. It’s totally innocent and they will find out their angel’s real name when they go to heaven. Why not educate the faithful that Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are only to be used rarely or that holding hands during the Our Father is not in the rubrics? There are so many other things that are a danger to the faith.

Fr. Savio

Betty, while I agree with you about some of the other things you are concerned about, I am afraid that the practice is neither totally innocent nor devoid of danger. Please look at my reply to patricia up above. And I don’t know that an angel would appreciate being willfully called by a wrong name, any more than a human would. But thanks for your faithful vision and concern for your children’s formation!

Tony Lee

Thank you for this revelation, as I was previously informed that we could name our own guardian angels. I had named my guardian angel ‘Michael’ but I now know better.

Judy

But they said we can “ask them their name” which is not naming them but just asking them their name. Even Fr. Larry Richards said so on EWTN. I asked. He asked. We didn’t name them but we just asked them.

J.A.V.R.

The only problem with that is that you have to make sure that it is your guardian angel who reveals this name and not a demon. Demons can show up as angels of light and one can’t tell the difference. That’s why it can be dangerous.

johnrey cb

There is a difference between naming your guardian angel and asking (prayerfully) for your guardian angel to reveal his/her name to you. Consider it a gift if your guardian angel, without your asking for it, reveals his/her name to you.

Dr. Marshall warns that this private revelation could come from the devil and not your guardian angel. In this case, we should be guided by Mt. 7:20, “by their fruit you will recognize them.”

How is my Christian life affected by my knowing my guardian angel’s name? Do I grow closer to God and become more courageous in following Jesus? Do I gain more clarity, do I grow more humble, am I more generous, patient and charitable?

You should always test any supernatural gift from God with the prayerful and discerning help of your spiritual director. One obvious indicator that what you learned in private revelation (such as your angel’s name) comes from a questionable source is if you feel a sense of pride or superiority that you know something that others do not.

I asked for the name of my guardian angel and it was revealed to me. I have a friendship with my angel and I know this because I grow deeper in my personal relationship with Jesus. My angel ALWAYS points me to Jesus.

Thank you for this article. The comments here only emphasizes, for me, the need for a good spiritual companion/director for anyone who seeks to grow more in their faith.

Lisa Beardslee

A devout friend of mine once prayerfully asked for her guardian angel’s name during Adoration. A name came to her, and she was delighted. She went home and looked up this name on the computer, to find its meaning. It was the name of a demon! She is grateful she was inspired to look up the name, because otherwise she would have been praying to a demon, while thinking it was her guardian angel.

Deb

You people have entirely too much time on your hands…

ariel3

Well, when it comes to the practice and customs of our Faith, which should be our most important treasure, I just felt I had to make time for it.

ariel3

I seem to agree with Jim Russel that the quote from Directory of Popular Piety and Liturgy can be interpreted for external public devotions. I think, in itself naming one’s angel is not bad, especially if it fosters devotion. I know a saint (St. Josemaria Escriva) who named his guardian “the Watchmaker” for fixing his watch every time he needed it, and encouraged the others to do something similar. I mean, the majority of Catholics don’t care about angels, why would we stop something that can help foster devotion to our guardian angels? I agree with that mother (Betty) who taught her little kids to name their guardian angel, they’ll know their real name anyway when they reach heaven. It’s actually something personal; there’s nothing wrong with it, we even have the example of a saint who lived in the 20th century.

J.A.V.R.

If you look closely, Saint Josemaría Escrivá didn’t name his guardian angel; he gave the angel a title.He didn’t name his angel “Uriel the Watchmaker”, he gave his angel the title “The Watchmaker” recognizing the angel’s labor. It’s the same thing we do with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we never change her name; we give her titles and most of those title she gives them to us such as “The Immaculate Conception”.

And even if the Saint gave a proper name to his angel, saints are still human beings and they can make mistakes.

ariel3

Yeah, I guess you’re right that there’s a distinction between a name and a title. I guess I didn’t care, and I don’t intend to care. Come to think of it, I did not make a mistake either. I called my guardian angel “Reminder” because I tend to forget things. And I sometimes “reprimand” him in a friendly way when sometimes he fails to remind me. But that does not diminish the slightest our close friendship. Just like in any friendship, “hey, you let me down yesterday. But that’s okay, i also let you down sometimes, I’m sorry. But I’m so happy you’re my friend.” I think it’s a wonderful thing to have a relationship like that with one’s guardian angel, and I learned it from St. Josemaria. I don’t care if it’s a title or a name. And that’s my other point: let them be, if people have a devotion to their guardian angel and want to give their angel a name. Salus animarum suprema lex esto. If it will help souls reach heaven, why stop them? It’s proven by another saint, St. Padre Pio. Did he and St. Josemaria disobey the Holy See? (I think St. Josemaria would be happy whether someone gave his/her guardian angel a name or a title). I don’t think they disobeyed, as Jim said that rule can be interpreted as external public devotion. What’s more it was not an obstacle for them to go to heaven. So do you understand? Let the people be. Let’s not put too many rules. There are so many other more important things about our Faith that we have to focus on.

Dianne Wood

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Dianne Wood
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J.A.V.R.

Who the heck do you think you are? Such arrogance. You are comparing yourself to saints now and speaking for them? You need to learn humility and fast. Angels are not beneath us or in our same level of divinity; they are above and as such they are to be treated with respect because they are our superiors, whether you like it or not. Our church is a church of order and rules and it doesn’t pander to the masses. If you want to do whatever you want, you can go to another church, but in this church we have to obey the Holy See. If they discourage it is because they find something wrong with it but it isn’t a dogma yet so they can prohibit it.

It’s like I have told other people here: if you know anything of the military, if an enlisted soldiers befriends an officer he still has to address him as “sir” or by his rank unless the officer gives him permission to address him by his given name. It’s the same with angels. They are superior to us in every way and we need to respect them.

I don’t care if Saint Pio or Saint Josemaría called their angels by a name they gave them, which I doubt Padre Pio named his angel, and Josemaría didn’t do it either, you are not any of those men and you don’t have the special gifts and sainthood that they had, and even if they did they could have been wrong to do so.

And no, you can’t just “let people be”. That’s how heresies arise and division come from. Our Lord is a Lord of order and laws, just like his church. If you don’t like it, you can leave and do things your way.

Take care.

ariel3

Who do I think I am? (yes, I’m still here; I wonder if you’re still there) Well, I think I’m a sinner who loves Jesus Christ and his Blessed Mother. I think I will spend the rest of my life atoning for my sins. And you say I’m proud. You are probably right, since I’m a sinner. And don’t worry about considering myself a saint, no way, I am far below the level of saints. When I stand before the Judgment Seat on the last day, I’d rather not stand but kneel down and beg for mercy. But at the same time, I remember what Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, the successor of St. Josemaria, said, (Bishop del Portillo is about to be beatified, only the date is being determined). He said it’s false humility not to try to imitate St. Josemaria, a disguised pride and love of comfort. So I just try to strike a balance: imitate St. Josemaria while being conscious that I’m far, far below his level. So I hope this clarifies my semblance of claiming sanctity.

On respect: calling someone by nick name does not necessarily mean disrespect. Real best friends who truly love each other do so. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak are best of friends and they joked around each other. But I’m so impressed by the respect they had for each other, as I read Jobs’ biography.

On dignity of angels: the angels are superior to us by nature, but in dignity, Jesus Christ has changed that. St. Paul wrote to the Hebrews, “But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?” (Heb 1:13). God the Son did not become an angel or sacrificed Himself for the angels, but yes for human beings. God raised our dignity through the mystery of the Incarnation. Does this mean I now disrespect the angels? Of course not. I love them, and respect them highly.

And also, with all due respect, sir, I’m afraid you have to prove that you are worthy of discussion, that you can argue with logic and reason. We are talking about naming angels, and that’s what I meant when I wrote “let the people be”. But to extend my statement to other matters and to heresies… oh no. Didn’t I even say that we have to focus on other matters, didn’t it occur to you I could have meant that, the great errors of our day: neo-atheism, the attacks against life and family, abortion, contraception, divorce, then pornography, moral relativism, etc. I meant these are the topics we should focus our resources on, Then you mentioned again obedience to the Holy See. Didn’t I already said the rule we are talking about could be interpreted as external public devotion? Following where the argument goes, this is what you should have tackled next. Shall I repeat what I already said? We would just go in circles. So I just wanted a sound discussion, because I am always open to be corrected, and will always follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. Thanks.

suikojay

Just wanted to say (even though I’m kinda late in this conversation), that Padre Pio called his angel, Angelino, which means “Little Angel.” It was more of like a nickname from what I understand, not a Proper Name.

Grizzly Bear

I doubt that we have authority on Lucifer unless we command it in the name of Jesus Christ. My guardian angel may not have a name, but I call him Christian, because if Christ is not One with God, I prefer not to believe in anything.

Grizzly Bear

Guardian Angel is a name just like Christian, it bears purpose

mika san pedro

I think that giving a name of endearment to your guardian angel does not go against this Church teaching. When the Holy See is discouraging is the official naming of creatures who are indeed superior to us. But, I call my best friend y a nickname other than what his parents gave him..it si a name that is used only my me and he allows to be called that way only by me. Therefore, I can do the same for my guardian angel as my best friend.

J.A.V.R.

The church is not a democracy where you do whatever you want or however you want it. If the Holy See discourages it is because they understand it to be wrong but it isn’t a dogma yet so they can’t prohibit it.

Guardian Angels are not our buddies. Even Christ’s best’s friends, the apostles, whom Christ loved and called “friends”, would call Him “Master” or “Rabbi”. Considering that the angels are closer in divinity and power to Christ than we humans are, we should follow the apostles example of humility.

Dixie Grit

wow. I bet you’re a lot of fun at parties.

J.A.V.R.

What a childish comment. And actually I’m very fun at parties, but I don’t play or take lightly any matters of our faith.

Hi, J.A.V.R.–thanks for your comment below. I cannot agree, though, that I’m being “prideful” or seeking to be “smarter” than the Holy See by offering a more complete context for the single curial document on the Vatican web site that mentions the naming of the Holy Angels.
In my comments, I’ve merely made clear that the Directory mentions not “assigning” names to the “Holy Angels” (not guardian angels) in the context of a section on *devotions* to the Holy Angels. Early in the document, the Directory itself defines what it means by “devotion”–it’s an *external* practice. Therefore it’s quite reasonable to conclude that the Directory’s mention of not “assigning names” to the Holy Angels other than Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael has to do with *devotions* (external practices) just like the document says.
Thus, barring any direct documentary evidence offered in context that would address one’s personal and “interior” relationship with one’s personal guardian angel, I think it remains a matter of prudential judgment whether a Catholic addresses one’s angel according to the “office” of “angel” or according to a name used uniquely for the guardian.
As to “accidentally” using a name associated with a demon rather than one’s angel, I have a question about that–what objective source does one turn to in order to determine that a particular name is “demonic” rather than “angelic”? I’m under the impression that there are relatively few “named” demons in Scripture, just as there are only the three named angels. So, I’m struggling to understand how this scenario really plays out for a Catholic who thinks he’s “learned” the angel’s name only to find out it is actually a demon’s name.
In any case, my point isn’t to encourage–or discourage–the practice as much as it is to properly understand the curial document being cited.

J.A.V.R.

Excuse me sir, but what I believe you’re trying to look for the cat’s fifth leg, as we say in my country. Why is it so hard to be humble and just obey the Holy See? We didn’t assign any name to any of the Archangels. They revealed their name to us. Like I told someone else here, did our Lord’s close friends, the apostles, ever called Him something else than Rabbi? And they were His close friends and even Christ Himself to them as friends or brothers. Now, of course Christ in greater in divinity than angels, but angels are greater in divinity to us. It all comes down to humility and respect to a being superior to us in glory and divinity, even if that being is our companion, guardian and friend.

If you were a soldier in the army and you really befriended an officer you would still have to address him with respect, such as calling him “sir” or by his rank, unless the officer gives you permission to call him by his name. Or let’s say you’re English and you develop a great admiration and love for your queen, the Queen of England, would you address her as Queen Lizzie? So why do we show respect (or fear) for this earthly authorities and not for the heavenly ones who are far more superior? Or like with the Blessed Virgin Mary. She does have many titles but she has only one name and we don’t change it. The angels also have a name and we don’t know it we should called them by their title as a sign of respect.

And about “accidentally” using a name associated with a demon rather than one’s angel, the problem is that when you deal with demons they can and will lie, so they can give you any name they want. That’s why exorcism are so hard, because exorcist need to know the demon’s own name so they can’t cast it out and even during the exorcism, in which the exorcist commands the demon in the name of Jesus Christ, they can withstand the pain and tell the exorcist that they are somebody else. And furthermore, you can look for a source of known demon names, and I actually know a few, but it wouldn’t really matter. A demon would never give you his true name unless he knows he has complete power over you, like a demon did with Sister Magdalena de la Cruz in the XVI century. If a demon is trying to trick you, he can appear to you and tell you that his name is “John”, for example and from that day forth when you talk with “John” you talk with him. No demon that is coming to trick you will come out and say “I’m Baal” or “My name is Balban” for example. They are liars and tricksters and that’s why this practice is really dangerous.

Andrew Patton

It’s not that one will accidentally invoke a demon, but rather that seeking this knowledge opens one up to the demonic. That is why we must always test the spirits and never seek them out.

I’m not particularly concerned about my guardian angel’s name, but how do you come to know him? –And are they always referred to in the masculine? I’ve been praying the guardian angel prayer and the one to St. Michael for years but haven’t experienced any tangible sense of either one. It is simply a matter of faith that I accept and practice. Any thoughts?

Jon Fermin

Angels are neither masculine nor feminine, but for ease of language they are usually referred to using masculine pronouns. as to tangible presence, Angels are intangible by nature, it is by God’s grace they can assume a form we may sense (ala the book of Tobit). normally Angels are trying to stay out of the limelight because it can distract from God who sent them. if you have received a grace from God, chances are it has been given a messenger, or angel as this is what the word angel means, it is an office, not a name.

CharOster

Once Padre Pio asked Joe to select a name for his guardian angel. “Pick a name for your guardian angel and call him by that name always,” Padre Pio said to Joe. “When you send him to me, he will come instantly.”

I’m intrigued by the criticism of this practice, and want to respectfully register St. Padre Pio’s contrary opinion, and mine. Since reading the saint’s advice to ‘give a name’ to my Guardian Angel, I have shared it with many others as a way of entering into the reality of that relationship more, of getting it through my thick head that this angel is real, and a very personal part of my life. In no way do I intend to claim authority over this angel, just to refer to him in our private communications in a personal way. Perhaps if I went about telling others to invoke the name, “***”, I would then be doing what it seems clear we should not do.

J.A.V.R.

Did St. Padre Pio told the whole congregation to do this or just Joe? Padre Pio was a special person and we don’t know if he had a special permission from God to do what he did. Or we also have to consider that Padre Pio could’ve made a mistake. He was a saint, but he wasn’t perfect and he could’ve made mistakes.

The point is that if the Holy See finds something wrong with this practice and they discourage it, we should abstain from it until an official conclusion is made whether we should do it or not.

suikojay

I think what Padre Pio meant was something like a nickname, not a Proper name like Bill or John. From what I understand, Padre Pio called his angel, Angelino, which means “Little Angel”. To me, that seems like a nickname.

Rebecca Coomes

Haha!!!!
I remember back in my early twenties I named my Guardian Angel.
Thought long and hard about it. Then when I was satisfied, I couldn’t
call him that name at all. It just felt weird and unnatural. I finally
gave up. Now I know why!!!! He was telling me to knock it
off!!!!!!!!!

Lindsey

This is ridiculous. I’m Catholic but you people have too much time on your hands. Stop making bs rules & recognize what’s going on in the real world.

J.A.V.R.

And this is not happening in the “real world”? You do know that the earthly world is temporary but the heavenly is eternal? Therefore all matters of faith are important, especially this one where they are correcting people who address superior divine beings who deserve are most respect, incorrectly.

John Johnson

There is a distinction to be drawn between “giving” your guardian angel a name and praying that your guardian angel’s name be revealed. There is something of a straw man in Marshal’s argument as praying for the angel’s name to be revealed seems more common than naming your angel like a pet. Nobody really does that.

So, fine you are not allowed to “name your guardian angel.” But your guardian angel does have a name, given by God, and there’s nothing wrong with asking what it is.

J.A.V.R.

I don’t think is wrong to ask your angel for his name either. The problem is that it could be really dangerous as a demon can pose as an angel of light and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference that’s why is safest to refer to your angel as “Guardian Angel”.

JeffB

My immediate reaction to this? It’s petty. But yes, will look it up more.

Branden

I don’t understand, your guardian angel is more than an instructor, he is your friend and protector someone to be with you and naming seems to make the relationship more intimate and personal..I just feel that takes away from the relationship..or maybe you don’t agree that there is a relationship between guardian angel and person or at least from reading some comments the relationship isn’t personal. I just want a better understanding is all.

J.A.V.R.

But you only name things that are beneath you in hierarchy (children, pets, nature) or equals (brothers, friends), not your superior and angels are much superiors to us in divinity. Is a matter of respect. And in matters of faith especially, when someone is named it means that that person belongs to the one who named him, such as God with Abraham or Israel, or like Christ with Peter.

The bottom line here is simple, JAVR–you are going beyond what the Church herself teaches in this matter. Unless you actually can show evidence that the Magisterium teaches what you are asserting, I would recommend that you limit your comments about other Catholics’ prudential judgment on this matter. As it is, you simply cannot bind another’s conscience on this issue on your own authority.

J.A.V.R.

How am I going beyond what the Church teaches? It all comes down to reasoning. If the Church explicitly says “The practice of assigning names to the Holy Angels should be discouraged, except in the cases of Gabriel, Raphael and Michael whose names are contained in Holy Scripture.” and we have all the example of occasions of naming in the Holy Scripture, most of them made by God/Christ Himself,plus you add our own custom of hierarchy, it stands to reason that we should refrain from naming our guardian angels. It’s all about respect for these divine beings, superior to us in every way, and reason.

Also, in matters of faith, when a practice is dubious, we should refrain from it until it’s completely established by the Holy See if it’s permitted or not. It’s just common sense.

Elaine

My 2nd-grade teacher, a nun, told us that she called her guardian angel “Pete” and would call on him in times of special need. She suggested that we give a (nick-)name to our guardian angels, and I started calling my guardian angel “Buddy” at that time. I gave nicknames to my best friend and each member of my family as an expression of the intimacy that exists among us. All the members of my family had authority over me because I was the youngest. If one of them did not like the nickname, I would not use it, due to the same affection and respect that led me to give them nicknames to begin with. The wonderful children’s book about “Wupsy” or “Wopsy” the guardian angel of “Sunny-John” helps children understand many things, including our relationship with angels, who, the author is careful to point out, each have a “long and beautiful name” assigned by God “with a zillion letters” in it. That name can only be used by God to call an angel for a special mission (such as becoming a guardian angel of a brand-new baby). That’s why we use nicknames for our angels. We acknowledge that we are not God. Anyway, as in all things, I defer to the authority of the Church. I just hope this doesn’t become dogma but rather goes the way of limbo. Because I find it hard to speak to my angel without some kind of name. He doesn’t seem to mind “Buddy” and never fails to respond.

jeff lokanata

Dr Marshall, acording prof. Peter Kreeft in his book Angel and Demon, guardian angel have a name. but to know his name, we must pray.

my memory is vague about the book, since i read many years ago, i dont really remember what he exactly said

J.A.V.R.

Dr. Marshall is not saying guardian angels don’t have a name, he is saying we can’t name them and asking for their name could be dangerous because a demon could answer instead of your angel.

Genie Summers

“In the name of St Francis, I say to you: I haven’t gold or silver to give you, but something much more precious, the Gospel of Jesus. Go forward with courage!… Be witnesses of the faith with your life: bring Christ into your homes, proclaim him among your friends, welcome him and serve him in the poor”.

— Pope Francis’ farewell message to the youth in Assisi and all Christians.

Caley

Is it ok to give your guardian angel a nickname?

Chesire11

What possible purpose does it serve to “name” our guardian angels? Not only does it strike me as patronizing, like when a complete stranger addresses you as “Chief” or “Sport,” but it implies some authority over the angel. If the angel has need of a name, he already has one, and if it doesn’t, then it does not have a name. The one thing we can know for certain is that it doesn’t need a name from us!

I would also join with those who caution against “asking” our guardian angel to tell us their names. In the first place, if a name comes to us, we have no way of knowing who is answering. Is it our guardian angel? Is it our own imagination filling in the silence? Is it an infernal spirit trying to lead us astray? We don’t know, and since it serves no purpose to learn his name, the search for it is at best a pointless diversion, but could well be positively dangerous.

Best not to treat with spirits so trivially. You have a guardian angel…ask for his intercession, and be grateful for his protection and leave it at that.

abcapasso

Is there a name for this picture? I have tried to find it, but I can’t find it anywhere.

Jest

The section — which is actually 217 — regarding angels says nothing about naming giving power. It is really more about childishly trivializing the role of Angels, IMO.

Foster

Hi, Dr. Marshall. Did you hear this? Recently Pope Francis received a letter from a severely disabled Argentine teen boy, Nicolas Marasco, in which he related that:

“Every night ever since you asked me, I pray to my guardian angel – whose name is Eusebio and who is very patient – to watch over you and help you. You can be sure that he is good at it because he watches over me and is with me every day.”

Pope Francis mentioned this boy and his letter favorably in an audience in Assisi on October 4th. A few days later, Marasco received a letter from the Pope in reply, which read:

“Keep helping me with your prayers, and also keep praying to Eusebio, who is surely friends with my guardian angel, who also watches over me.”

I think your word of caution in seeking out curious but inessential spiritual trivia is well founded. I simply note here that, at least in this instance of Nicolas Marasco, Pope Francis shows not a hint of concern at the boy’s knowing or using the name of his guardian angel, and indeed, explicitly encourages his continued regular use of it, by telling him to: Keep praying to Eusebio.

Even the Pope calls Nicolas’ guardian angel by name!

Perhaps you have some thoughts on this recent and rather remarkable exchange?

Angel of Love

You’re wrong. Angels not so attached to the name as we do. But we like the names of the angels will be happy to adjust it. Yes, angels are our leaders, but they also marked our guardians and loves us. So they really gratified and happy to adopt names that people give them.

doiregirl

Good to know, I was not aware of this and often ask help of my Guardian Angel.

Diaconos

Thanks for sharing this Taylor. I have had countless discussions with many women over this topic. Some even claim that “their Angel{ told them its name. It is scary that some people have such imaginations.

Olive Brown

What’s scary Deacon, is the inference that can we pontificate upon a personal relationship between God, His Angels and His children. Other than advice, freely given, to adopt or not, where and how were you divinely inspired to make such judgement? Perhaps it would be better to pray, that the people who have abandoned Mother Church, might be encouraged to return, if we promoted love, piety and awareness that, we actually do have a personal friendship with a constant companion, appointed by God, than to degrade a devotional relationship.

praedicator

Funny. I tried to, but my angel would not let me…

Alex Marsh

that rule douse not apply if you ask the angel it’s legit god given name. that you are asking say as a friend or introduction as u would with a tutor.

Gualteros9

We can name our Guardian Angel. Opus Sanctum Angelorum, an approved order of the Church whose sole purpose is to promote our Guardian angels, promotes a relationship with our Guardian angels and encourages us to name them. What you have referenced here refers to angels in general,not guardian angels and it is not a formal prohibition but rather a discouragement, which does not bind us one way or another.

I have an old Prayers to the Nine Choirs of Angels booklet. It lists 7 named Archangels and the Sacrament each is associated with ..
1.Michael “who is like God” Holy Eucharist;
2.Gabriel “Strength of God’ Baptism:
3.Raphael “Medicine of God” Penance;
4.Uriel “Light of God” Confirmation;
5.Jehudiel “Praise of God” Extreme Unction:
6.Salaltiel “Prayer of God” Holy Orders;
7.Barachiel “Blessing of God ” Holy Matrimony.
Are you familiar with the 4 other Archangels? Or are these not legit? Where are they found in Scripture?

Mark

But what if it’s an affectionate nickname? In our family we all have nicknames. To me, it’s a sign of and feeling of affectionate intimacy to call him by the name he has in my mind. My guardian angel is as close to me as my spouse. St. Faustina claimed St. Michael was her guardian angel. It’s in her diary.

This is pretty silly. There are more important things to be teaching about than a gray area like this one.

John Mallon

During the “Name your Guardian Angel” craze I was having dinner with a priest who told me some lady said, “Father, what’s your guardian angel’s name?” The priest calmly replied, “Meathead.”

Ester

Why Catholic Church is always trying to separate humanity from Heaven? Why do they want to keep us apart from angels and spirit guides? Why do they call any attempt to connect us to the Divinity within as “evil”? Is it because they deeply fear what the voice of God could tell us? like Catholic Church is the biggest lie ever? like Vatican is just a fat and lazy monarchy? Please, listen the voice of the heart and not to a bunch of ignorant men afraid of losing his “sacred powers”

Allison

When i was younger i would get scared going to and from school (i walked with my older siblings,) and i would have terrible nightmares. My grandmother would tell me that we had two angels guarding us and one was named Bubba (a big burly biker) and jake (tall and skinny with the kindest eyes) and i know she fabricated them because my mother told me how they came up with them. But when my grandmother passed when i was 5 the night before she took her last breath i saw the angels she told me of. My older brother (about 9 at the time) sat beside me and watched me jump up and down did not see them even though i pointed them out and they stopped and winked and smiled and waved before entering my grandmas hospital room. When i ran in the room they were gone but my grandma winked and smiled (she couldn’t speak) she was telling me she saw them too. How do i find their heavenly names because to me they have always been Bubba and Jake.

Judy

Hmmm…isn’t there a story of Padre Pio naming his angel?

Susan J Melkus

I thought this practice was a bit ‘off’ when I first heard about it 7 or 8 years ago, just a year or so after we returned to the Church. Those little ‘checks’ in one’s gut and red flags that pop up do need to be heeded. Great post! Thanks.

irene

I been trying to get my angels name does this mean I can’t I have to call them angel? And what if you want to be friends with your angel and ask for their name I mean yes I do got a cat but he’s not just a pet you know he’s part of my family and hes a friend. So yea.. that’s all for now. Hope you understand what I mean.

Leona Herrmann-Papafagos

Also , it was said by a priest who specializes in a Spiritual Warfare, that we should not name our Guardian Angel, due to the fact that we do not know who we are invoking. It could be a bad spirit as well.

me

just fuck off, how people can be so stupid???

NewAgeHipster

I didn’t name my Guardian Angels, they told me their names! Also, one of my is a woman.

Doktor Ramon Nadres

Oh, great! Does Dr. Marshall have any comment on this one?

Teresa Brummer

Hello. I am trying to break down the Angel of God prayer for my five year old granddaughter, I want to explain what the words mean. For example watch, guard, guide, rule ( this one I am having difficulty with) how do I explain what “rule” means while interpreting the meaning from this prayer. This little girl is highly intelligent, and asks so many questions, I do not want to discourage her learning all that she can! Thank you! Teresa Brummer

Paint the Saint Black Man

We repent Lord of idolizing Mary and the saints, turn us to your only begotten son.

Neville Whiteley

Sounds like Theocratic-speak and slavish attention to detail. It actually angers me that a pious practice, which enhances, deepens devotion to, and familiarises the connection between the soul and his Angel companion, is interpreted, and categorised by ecclesia, as wrong! By what stretch of the imagination does ecclesia even know that a layman would know he/it or she establishes an authority over a spiritual being? Is the implication here that it is displeasing to God? If so, how is that known? Hasn’t ecclesia got better things to do than adjudicate on a triviality, which borders on the ridiculous, and which is best left to God to judge if a) the layman is displaying love and reverence for the Angel, or b) knowingly and willingly claiming naming rights for the sake of authority. Do something worthwhile and tell people that they sin gravely when they rock up to communion without going to confession! Now, that’s something worth shouting out from these pages.

RIWOMAN

I understood that naming your Guardian Angel was wrong a number of years’ ago, so I researched it. In an older Catholic encyclopedia I read a quote from a papal document that used stronger language than “discourages.” The document that was quoted stated that naming your Guardian Angel was “forbidden.” Some of the reasoning was as follows: religions, such as the New Age, put too much focus on angels instead of on God. To protect us from this kind of error, the Church does not allow it. Even those angels who are named in scripture are not really “names,” in the sense we use them, but are their “job descriptions.,” i.e., the Power of God (Michael,) the Messenger of God (Gabriel,) and the Healing of God (Raphael.) Angels are spiritual beings, far superior than humans. They know and are known and, therefore, do not have–and do not need–names. Some people use Mother Angelica as a reason for naming their angels because she encouraged it. Although she is a holy woman, she was in error in this regard. Without mentioning Mother Angelica, Fr. Mitch Pacwa corrected that error in a subsequent live show, stating that we should NOT be naming our angels. She never mentioned it again. I so wish I could remember the papal document name and which pope it was, but I definitely remember reading it. When I have the time, I’d like to see if I can find it again so I can give that information to others. If one considers the reasoning behind it, it makes perfect sense.

But notice that the document says assigning names “to the Holy Angels”; it does not say “to Guardian Angels”! Is that distinction significant? I think it is. I do not think it is criticizing the practice of calling your Guardian Angle by a name, because that’s exactly not what it says.

I think what it’s really referring to is the practice, mainly popular among New-Agers, of giving angels weird names like Azrael and Asmodel and Uriel.

lynn

there is a prayer that you pray for a number of days where you can ask your guardian angel to reveal his name to you. this is different than YOU giving HIM a name. we did this in my family and only 3 of us got an answer. what would be the problem of this?

Olive Brown

How does the Pope or ecclesia know what is in a mans heart? Only God knows that. Adherents (new age) that abuse “Angel-naming”, has nothing to do with pious and devoted christians that love and respect their Angels. How does heresy come into this equation, for the latter? This is not the 12th century when inquisitional powers created their abuses against a pop. who were largely illiterate. The pharisees and scribes also were addicted to nit-picking rules, adherence to form, or to garner power. Holy Mother Church is in tatters, and we trot out a disruptive and insignificant ruling, out of fear or theocratic exactitude!? If this isn’t dogma, but an act of authority by a Pope, then we are at liberty to take careful note of it but also listen to the Grace of God and follow His voice in such matters. I, too, am old and followed the Church for 75 years and am appalled at how ecclesia has all but destroyed custom and tradition and smothered pious acts of love and devotion to their Angels and saints, but reminds us that we are in danger of heresy because we name an Angel!?!?.

Robert Kovacs

Dr. Marshall. The same Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy also discourages devotion to St. Uriel. Whom you mentioned in your last article. In the Byzantine east, which does not follow mandates like the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, St Uriel “IS” a Saint to be venerated. As is Sts Selaphiel, Jegudiel (Jehudiel), and Barachiel. Even though the last four are not mentioned in Scripture. They are named through “tradition”. Like you hinted at, is St. Pope Gregory the Great now in error for venerating St. Uriel, even though Pope Zachary, demoted the Saint (how can you demote a Saint), rather than enforcing the faithful, including certain clerics, not to worship angels. We may as well demote St Francis, if we choose. I do agree about not naming your Guardian Angel. They probably already have a name, given from our Father. Funny though how one of the main things an exorcist will demand from a fallen angel during an exorcism is their name. I wonder where that list is hidden in Rome?. God Bless!. I chose the Eastern Catholic/Orthodox position on angels over Rome’s. Rome focuses more on humanity, the horizontal. Wheras the East follows more of the vertically, hence the heavenly!. Rome needs to start changing their direction, before they get swept into the secular fold.

Robert Kovacs

Dr. Marshall. The same Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy also discourages devotion to St. Uriel. Whom you mentioned in your last article. In the Byzantine east, which does not follow mandates like the Directory
on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, St Uriel “IS” a Saint to be
venerated. As is Sts Selaphiel, Jegudiel (Jehudiel), and Barachiel. Even
though the last four are not mentioned in Scripture. They are named
through “tradition”. Like you hinted at, is St. Pope Gregory the Great
now in error for venerating St. Uriel, even though Pope Zachary, demoted
the Saint (how can you demote a Saint), rather than enforcing the
faithful, including certain clerics, not to worship angels. We may as
well demote St Francis, if we choose. I do agree about not naming your
Guardian Angel. They probably already have a name, given from our
Father. Funny though how one of the main things an exorcist will demand
from a fallen angel during an exorcism is their name. I wonder where
that list is hidden in Rome?. God Bless!. I choose the Eastern
Catholic/Orthodox position on angels over Rome’s. Rome focuses more on
humanity, the horizontal. Where as the East follows more of the
vertical, hence the heavenly!. Rome needs to start changing their direction, before they get swept into the secular fold.

Robert Kovacs

Dr. Marshall. The same “Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy” also discourages devotion to St. Uriel. Whom you mentioned in your last article. In the Byzantine east, which does not follow mandates like the “Directory
on Popular Piety and the Liturgy”, St Uriel “IS” a Saint to be
venerated. As is Sts Selaphiel, Jegudiel (Jehudiel), and Barachiel. Even
though the last four are not mentioned in Scripture. They are named
through “tradition”. Like you hinted at, is St. Pope Gregory the Great
now in error for venerating St. Uriel, even though Pope Zachary, demoted
the Saint (how can you demote a Saint), rather than enforcing the
faithful, including certain clerics, not to worship angels. We may as
well demote St Francis, if we choose. I do agree about not naming your
Guardian Angel. They probably already have a name, given from our
Father. Funny though how one of the main things an exorcist will demand
from a fallen angel during an exorcism is their name. I wonder where
that list is hidden in Rome?. God Bless!. I choose the Eastern
Catholic/Orthodox position on angels over Rome’s. Rome focuses more on
humanity, the horizontal. Whereas the East follows more of the
vertical, hence the heavenly!. Rome needs to start changing their direction, before they get swept into the secular fold.

Rose

So I guess deciding to call my mom “Mama” instead of “Mommy” means I’m claiming authority over her… This is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.

Olive Brown

You’re absolutely right Rose. This is crass stupidity.

Pauline

Thank you Dr. Marshall, now I refrain from calling my guardian angel by a name I found out some months ago. My conviction in Magisterium is greater than my own fuzzy feelings about my faith.

Angelite49

In my case, I asked my Guardian Angel (years ago), and a name came to me, which I use. Two more names were revealed to me, and the number 18 (total). If the angels have names, they are probably unpronounceable for us, so the names revealed to us — besides not having been GIVEN to them by us — are useful in communicating. I have never treated my angels with anything but respect; I do not consider that I have authority over them, but ask them for help when I am in need. I think if one understands the relationship properly, using a revealed name is not only harmless, but may help us.

Veritas81

Opps…

Two2trees

Vicegerent. Awesome word!

Question: while i feel no need to name, it does seem to me harmless to use a nickname referentially. If I dont know someone’s name, it seems likely that I’ll use some easy reference — although i know it to be incorrect. I’m thinking of pseudonyms, for example. Let’s say “big guy”

I get the point of naming. But when i call or refer to someone very dear by a diminutive, or other pet name, I am neither naming nor renaming them, am I? Or would you say that’s too familiar?

Thomas A Walters

Don’t be fooled by the opinion of some priests and professional
Catholics, like Taylor Marshall, who don’t name their guardian angels.
Remember, the Church does NOT formally forbid it. The Vatican may
discourage it for the masses of people; however, this is only to teach
them to give veneration to the three most important ones, the archangels
in Sacred Scripture! If you know Raphael, Gabriel, and Michael well, go
ahead and name your guardian angel too! Enlist your guardian angel by
name in the fight against evil! Peace in Christ, Thomas Andrew

Thomas A Walters

As we enlist our guardian angels by name in the fight against evil,
here’s
a great homily by Fr. Larry Richards. Go to YouTube and type “Catholic
Daily Mass – Fr. Larry Richards – Diocese of Erie Pa. 2013-10-2- EWTN”
Fr. Larry’s guardian angel’s name is Barabbas; mine is Paige! What’s
yours?

Olive Brown

“”Victor”. He lets me know that he is pleased with it too. Thank you, I’ll check out the daily Mass on You Tube.

Olive Brown

I agree with you. This is a storm in a teacup. Is the inference that Angel naming is an act of a secular claim to a “proprietary rights”, rather than an act of inspired devotion and piety? Be very careful of philosophers, Intellectuals and pedantry. Jesus, Himself cursed scribes and pharisees for adherence to the letter of the Law and ignoring the spirit of the law. God alone knows what’s in a man’s heart. Trust His judgement in this trivial matter.

Fr Joe

You don’t need to name your guardian angel but you can give him a nick name. Helps to talk with him.

Patti.RCIA

I had never heard anything about either not naming, or naming, your guardian angel until your post, Dr. Marshall. In my family we all have nicknames, I’ve never thought of it as a way to assert authority over another person, and gave my guardian angel a nickname as a way to feel closer to ‘him’; I don’t claim to know ‘his’ real name… is this considered “naming” my guardian angel?

Rafael

I’m surprise of this teaching by the Church, don’t they know that one day the saints are going to judge the world and also judge the angels? (1 Cor. 6:2-4). Don’t they know that we were created in the image of God? The angels were NOT created in the image of God as the humans.

Doktor Ramon Nadres

The way I see it, Dr.. Marshall has misinterpreted the orientation from the Vatican. The prohibition probably refers to the usage of unofficial names of the angels such as Salathiel, Muriel, etc. These are being used in public, popular devotions. They even appear on reredoses behind the altar.

But I think the issue of the name of one’s guardian angel is a private matter that does not go against any dogmatic pronouncement.

I don’t know if I am right, but I did hear of the theory that Satan said non-serviam precisely because the angels were being asked serve human beings (one of them, of course, is Christ). It seems to me that their role is ministering, not ruling. To rule means to make decisions over the fate of someone. The angels, I think, do not do that. They just carry out strictly the command of God. They do not take initiatives by changing the plan to what they think is better for their ward.

There is a difference between a “ward” and a “subject”. A “subject” serves his master. From this point of view, we are not subject to our guardian angel. But we are his ward. The ward is usually the “higher” one. In human life, the ward would actually be the son of the master, who then will be the one who is served, not the one serving.

The angels are higher than us in being. But they are “lower” than us in the task of service. Now, the Gospel quite explains that being a servant from this point of view does not lower one’s status: “He who wants to be first among you shall be your servant.” The angels are before us in service.

All this talk about naming was fueled by the wrong notion that, if you are the one serving, then that lowers your dignity. No sir! Quite the opposite from the Evangelical point of view.

On the anecdotic side, I have given a name to my guardian angel and he seems to like it since he responds to my requests. I have never felt that that name was ever revealed to me. I just chose it because it is related to my own name. (However, I will not reveal that name to you.) As for my ministerial guardian angel, I named him with the same name as the saint whose feast falls on my birthday, and he also responds to that name.

I recently had an accident and had to bring myself to the hospital in the middle of the night in some place up in the mountains. Walking alone and wounded on deserted streets, I did not feel afraid nor worried, and I realized that my guardian angels were with me.

Hope that helps. God bless us all.

Olive Brown

I much prefer your take than that of Taylor Marshall’s. I, also, have called upon my Guardian Angel and he has responded. If he was displeased, I am not sure he would be so kind and generous to me. I really do like your commentary. Thank you

Doktor Ramon Nadres

You’re welcome, and thank you for the comment.

paul becke

Ah, but God understands the innocent wish for the intimacy bestowed by acquaintance with a person’s name. The concept of a name in scripture seems extremely close to that of personhood, having a personal nature. A face is very personal -although those stone faces on Easter Island don’t seem too personal, admittedly. So, if a desire for intimate acquaintance with our guardian angel is a sin, it is a very ‘warm’ sin or example of lese-majeste.

Olive Brown

If naming of an Angel is so disturbing, what can be made of representative statues; like that of St. Joseph and many Saints. We have them blessed, and through them, we venerate them. We don’t know what they actually looked like, but, to provide us with familiarity, intimacy and devotion, we pray before them. Protestants condemn the practice and Taylor Marshall condemns Angel naming. Damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.

About Taylor

I am the author of the Amazon bestselling novel Sword and Serpent: A Retelling of Saint George and the Dragon, and 5 other published books on topic ranging from Judaism, Catholicism, Thomas, Aquinas, and Roman history.

I'm also the President of the New Saint Thomas Institute where we offer online theology classes to over 1,600 students in over 30 nations.